For the second time this season, the Colorado Avalanche hosted the Detroit Red Wings in Denver, Colorado. The Red Wings have been struggling lately, with a record of 3-7-0 in their last ten games, which has negatively impacted their chances for a wild card spot. In contrast, the Avalanche are on a roll, having won eight of their last ten games, and are looking to overtake the Dallas Stars in the standings. It was the Avalanche who prevailed 5-2 as they won their 10th consecutive home game, the longest home win streak in the NHL this season and tied for the second-longest in franchise history.
Game Recap
Sam Malinski was called for tripping four minutes into the period, sending the Red Wings to the power play. J.T. Compher capitalized on the power play; he received a feed from Vladimir Tarasenko and, on one knee, rifled a one-timer to open the scoring, 1-0. Cale Makar sent a shot from the blue line that was tipped by Moritz Seider and in, tying the game 1-1. Valeri Nichushkin made it 2-1 when Nathan MacKinnon wrapped around the net and dished it off to Jonathan Drouin, who immediately redirected it to Nichushkin, who tapped it in.
The Avalanche got their first power play of the game when Craig Smith high-sticked Makar. They capitalized on it when Devon Toews sent a heavy one-timer from Martin Necas on the second power-play unit. The Red Wings received their second power play when Nathan MacKinnon tripped Dylan Larkin, but the Avalanche killed it off.
